WESTERVILLE, OHIO, March 9, 2015 -- The National Groundwater Association (NGWA) has officially announced the launch of National Groundwater Awareness Week, taking place March 8-14.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), 99 percent of all available fresh water in the world is groundwater, which means that all the world's rivers, lakes and streams make up only 1 percent.
Groundwater, along with oxygen, is arguably one of the most important natural resources for human life, and NGWA's National Groundwater Week is an ideal time to learn how to become a good steward of it.
"Life as we know it would quite simply not be possible without groundwater. It provides drinking water to about 132 million Americans, supplies surface freshwater bodies, waters crops, and supports ecosystems," said NGWA Public Awareness Director Cliff Treyens.
"The same is true throughout the world. That is why it is so important that every person do something to be a good steward of this vital resource -- and there are some very practical things every person can do," he said.
Consider the following:
- 87 million Americans utilize community water systems that use groundwater, and 44.5 million supply their own water through wells.
- As much as 90 percent of the rural population would have no reliable water source if it weren't for private household water wells.
- Irrigation uses an estimated 53.5 billion gallons of groundwater per day -- supplying water to some of the most productive agricultural lands in the world.
- Livestock and aquaculture use an additional 3.5 billion gallons of groundwater per day.
NGWA encourages every person to protect and conserve groundwater in the following ways:
- Dispose of hazardous substances at appropriate disposal facilities.
- Don't pour hazardous substances down the drain or toilet, or on the ground.
- Properly store hazardous substances in secure containers.
- Don't pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it.
- Use native or drought-resistant plants outdoors.
See also:
"Raising Awareness of Groundwater Resources and Risks"
"New collaborative project to help protect, address groundwater in BC's Peace Region"
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